Mega Tree Mast -- RFC

[jboyles7]

My Megatree mast is 2" PVC, which covers a 1 1/2" PVC pipe that is sunk in the ground 2 ft -- leaving 8' above ground.

The 2" pipe is going to be 2 sections: a 10' section coupled together with a 5' section the two sections are bound using a coupler. All of the 2" PVC is above ground.

If I PVC cement the 2 sections together (5' + 10'), it will not fit that well in the garage post season. Has anyone dry fit 2 sections like this and how'd it work?

There will be 3 guy wires, but the top of the tree has a 7 lb 3D star too. . .

I'm a little concerned. . .

All input welcome!

[hartlove]

I haven't tried this myself, but...

What if you run a 3/8" bolt or 2 above and below the joint, after you have it all put together. That would tie both pieces of 2" to the 1.5" pipe.

[kychristmas]

That is almost exactly my setup. Except I am using an 8ft piece of Fence Top Rail driven into the groune about 3 feet. Slip the 2 Inch PVC over the Top Rail. My top is only 3 or 4 ft.

I attache the Guy wires at the coupling holding the two sections together. They are dry fit so I can take them a part. In fact, the entire thing breaks down so I can store it away easily.

Here are some pictures: http://www.kentucky-christmas.com/Projects/tabid/357/AlbumID/896-41/Default.aspx

[jboyles7]

Ironicly, I bought the bolts today to tie them together, but didn't think of putting one above and one below. I was just thinking of keeping it from spinning. That's an excellent idea!!

Thanks!

[jboyles7]

Your's look sturdy.

Do you think the 1 1/2" PVC covered by the 2" is sturdy enough? Or should I go get a fence post?

[kychristmas]

Your's look sturdy.

Do you think the 1 1/2" PVC covered by the 2" is sturdy enough? Or should I go get a fence post?

Mine is Fence Top-Rail, not post. Its much easier to cut and deal with. Since ground post really only keeps the mast from shifting. I wou think it would work. It's possible that it keeps the mast from flexing too much. Clearly, most of the support comes from the guy wires.

The metal is easier to drive into the ground. Last year the ground was soft, this year its been very dry so I'm thining its going to be hard to get my stuff in the ground.

[jboyles7]

I put a cut 2" PVC pipe into the ground with a cap. Pull the cap off and put the 1 1/2" 10' PVC pipe into it. :-)

I like your fence rail alot though. Humm -- what to do . . .